BCA is a land-based specialist college based in a stunning 400-acre campus in Maidenhead, Berkshire. It is an inclusive and successful environment where students develop excellent practical and employment skills. We have a strong culture of continuous improvement; this is evident across the College, where students thrive and are challenged to achieve their full potential.

 

BCA OVERVIEW

Welcome to BCA. We're delighted that you are considering joining us either as a student, apprentice or as your business training partner.
 
Our primary focus is supporting our students and apprentices to make progress and develop personal, professional and technical skills to be happy and successful in life.  Whether that is on to a higher level of learning, progression into work, or to independent living, we are committed to supporting you to achieve your ambitions. 
 
Thank you for your interest in the College.  If you decide to join us you will be joining an exciting and vibrant college that is committed to your learning, training and development. At BCA, students can expect an outstanding level of commitment and support from tutors and staff. We have high expectations of our students and will provide excellent support to enable you to achieve your goals. 
 
Choosing a college is a huge decision and we know how challenging this can be. Our team of dedicated staff can provide you with all of the assistance you need, so please do make contact with them for advice, guidance and information.   
 
We very much look forward to welcoming you to BCA.

REASONS TO CONSIDER BCA

  • We're the No.1 college in the Thames Valley, Berks, Bucks and Oxon for 16-18 year old Student achievement (DfE, 2018).
  • We're proud to have an Ofsted 'Good Provider' rating.
  • We're Berkshire's only land-based specialist college.
  • We are known for the fantastic level of support available to our students and apprentices as well as being recognised as Leaders in Safeguarding and for being Disability Confident Committed.
  • Students have access to a TES award-nominated Industry Placement team to enable excellent careers links and opportunities alongside full-time study.

FACTS & FIGURES

95% of our Sports Studies students went into full-time employment or higher education
100% of our Level 3 Agriculture students progressed onto university or full-time employment
94.6% of our Motor Vehicle students progressed to employment or further training

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Alongside our range of full-time courses, the College runs a number of exciting land-based apprenticeships for those young people who are looking to gain vital experience in their chosen career whilst earning a wage along the way. BCA specialises in Level 2 and 3, Intermediate and Advanced apprenticeships within Horticulture, such as Sports Turf and Greenkeeping, as well as Floristry and Arboriculture qualifications.
 
These apprenticeships compliment a number of the short courses run by BCA Landbased Training, which have been set up to help businesses and individuals manage the environment through extensive training programmes covering forestry, arboriculture, landscaping, estate management and turf management.
 
BCA Landbased Training is a City & Guilds NPTC assessment centre, an accredited LANTRA centre and an approved BALI centre, with the added benefit of being able to offer NPORS qualifications too.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

"The tutors in the Motor Vehicle department have motivated me to achieve and aim higher. The fully equipped workshop has helped me to get to grips with using the tools, ramps and equipment, as I would in a real working garage. The course has also landed me a job through our Industry Placement, which has kickstarted my chosen career in the motor vehicle industry."

Daniel Roberts

Motor Vehicle student BCA

"Studying Horticulture at BCA was a brilliant experience. It not only prepares you for the work environment, but you gain a wealth of industry knowledge and connections. The people, the course, the whole environment - it was all great."

Kameron Bailey

Horticulture student BCA

"As an aspiring nurse, I chose to study Health & Social Care at BCA after my GCSEs. Not only did I graduate with a great grade, but I also gained fantastic industry-specific work experience in hospitals and care homes, which will help me greatly in my future career path."

Aurora Llugiqu

Health & Social Care student BCA

"The Agriculture course at BCA taught me not only what I'm capable of, but what I excel in - hands-on, practical work. With the support of the College, I obtained great industry experience, working on farms, and good references. I learned so many new skills and it was really enjoyable. Everyone was so friendly and it felt like a community I was proud to be a part of."

Mason Thacker

Agriculture student BCA